Phil's Tara Hideaway

09/12/09

Very Poor Hostess

by DeEtta Stevens at Citysearch

Arrived at 5:15 ( 1 person ), was told a 30 minute wait....that's OK. But, after 55 minutes, was told " oh, I thought you were going to eat at the bar and we gave your table away for a big party, problem there is you didn't think, it will be a longer wait"

!Hmmm...looked over at the table that she pointed too, had an empty table set for 2. Told the bartender and she checked on it right away, she came back and said " we now have a table for you in the back"....No thanks, I'm leaving !! Enough is enough, if you can't seat people as they arrive in order, you don't need my business. It all comes down to...I was only 1 person not a couple or a group of 4! Thanks to the Tara, I will have tidbit for Monday morning break.....don't go there unless you can wait until they feel like seating you...later, much later !!

• Pros: 0 Pros from me.
• Cons: Poor Hostess

08/22/09

Great Greek Food - go for lunch!

by MarySue717 at Citysearch

This little log cabin has loads of charm and quaint atmosphere. Parking is not a problem if you go at the right time of day; just like seating or wait-time....go when you know they are less busy and enjoy your meal. If Brenda is your server, you know you will be treated right! The food is fabulous and spicy and tender and hot and just plain old marvelous for the piehole! Prices are fair, but again, if you go for lunch they are very reasonable. Don't skip out on the Athenian potatoes or the gyros or their homemade salad dressings! We'll be back next time we're in town!

• Pros: Athenian potatoes and gyros are not tobe missed!
• Cons: REALLY BUSY at suppertime - too crowded.

08/09/09

Great Greek and eclectic food

by pollysigh at Citysearch

I've consumed many renditions of gyros over the decades, and this is the best I can recall having. Other Greek items were very good, too. It isn't all Greek, though; there are many eclectic preparations as well as standards such as prime rib. Two of the four of us on a recent Friday night had fish specials which they pronounced very good. The ambience is Northwoods log cabin, so the inventive preps and the Greek food are unexpected. Even more appealing is that the prices seem to run about 30-40% less than the equivalent items at venues closer to the urban core. The sevice was friendly, although a bit slow, which we attributed to the large crowd - speaking of which, we arrived about 6:30 and had a 20 minute wait, which we understand is normal since no reservations are taken unless the party numbers at least 6. In better weather than we had (rain), there is a pleasant patio outside to which libations can be brought as one waits. I might add that the hostess, assuming she is the same one who has been criticized by others, was efficient and friendly. Now for the criticism: It's so loud that conversation is difficult. This is endemic at restaurants now, it seems. I doubt anything can be done about it, given the log walls and ceiling, although the number of tables, already too close together, could be reduced. Of course, that would mean less revenue. The decible level notwithstanding, if you like Greek food (and non-Greek) at very nice prices, by all means you should try it. We'll be back - just not on a Friday or Saturday night.

• Pros: Possibly the best gyros on the planet.
• Cons: Noise

08/01/09

Why the rudeness

by Barb65 at Citysearch

I'm not the type who usually takes the time to write complaints about restaurants.I figure every place has there good and bad days.However,after talking to some friends I felt I should vent my frustration somewhere. My family was at the Tara on a moderately busy weeknight. We had a short wait which was okay. The hostess put a few tables together right by the front door with one of the chairs in the aisle. After we were seated and comfortable she came over and said we had to rearrange ourselves because we were blocking the aisle-right where.she put us! We said we were fine and she responded by giving us a look of disgust and stomping away.Not used to not having her way I guess.All in all a little thing as the meal tutned out to be wonderful and the waiter extremely good.The next day I happened to mention the experience to a friend and she said that she knows of other people who have also had unpleasant encounters with the hostesses at the Tara,some of whom have stopped going there.It seems odd that a restaurant that has so much going for it would allow this rudeness to continue.

• Pros: food and service
• Cons: Hostess

02/02/09

Cutest Little Place Around!

by Lsobania at Citysearch

This is the cutest place for small groups or couples. I would highly recommend this place if you are not in a hurry and want to enjoy the people you are with. It gets very busy and crowded but it is worth the wait because the food is fantastic. The staff are very helpful and can tell you what every dish tastes like. If the menu and staff don't change I will be going there for a long time to come. Also if you are planning to attend during a holiday call and see if they are making reservations otherwise you could be waiting a long time to be seated. Enjoy!

• Pros: The Best food you will ever eat.
• Cons: Can be crowded at times.